Soccer Season Ends...

During the exciting weekend of Peter and Emily's wedding and with lots of family in town, Michael had his last soccer game of the season. Here are some pictures to remember this fun team with a great coach.

The team--these were some great boys.


Some things I don't want to forget (and some I maybe do...):

• Watching Michael celebrate good moves made by his teammates. Jumping up and down, doing his "Gladiator roar"
• The "stroller sisters"--Abby and Bekah were strapped into their strollers for the majority of games and practices. Overall--pretty good about it. Only occasional protests. :)
• Michael socializing during the games
• Being a "single mom" for most practices and many games--gaining lots of sympathy from on-lookers (ha!)
• The seriousness of "water breaks" during practice--he'd come off the field with hands on his hips, with the no-nonsense "I've been hard at work, mom" attitude :)
• Watching Paul encourage, teach, and praise his son.
  
• The "big haul" of the stroller(s), lawn chairs, blanket, baby carrier, toys/snacks/books for the girls, and video tripod to tape the game for Paul. Ugh.
• Realizing more about Michael's happy attitude about everything. He was just happy to be there.
• Horrible parking--and putting my foot down when a guy tried to steal my spot. !!
• Paul's sometimes daily practices with Michael. They have so much fun together.
  
• Having Abby and Bekah both run onto another field during their game. Me running after them with Ella strapped onto my chest... what a scene.
• Patient, cooing Ella. She was a champ.
• Michael's stylin' sports goggles!
  

I won't quote our record, but we did win a game, and tie a few. The important thing is that they had a good time and gained some great skills... mission accomplished!

Go American Gladiators!


As a tradition, the parents make a tunnel for the players to run through each week after the games. Always a highlight for the boys.



Michael got to be a "Player of the Game" 3 times. (So did all the other teammates. :) ) His coach was wonderful about recognizing individual strengths and highlighted each player. It was special to see each boy's confidence shine. Michael loved it.


Michael with Coach Ben... who was so excellent with this group of beginning players. I loved that he really focused on fundamental skills, and actually taught offense/defense.

Most often at this age group, the whole team travels in a pack, aimlessly chasing after the ball wherever it goes. Coach Ben had the boys playing positions and rotated it around evenly each game. He called it "race cars" (offense) and "monster trucks" (defense). Brilliant, I say!


Coach Steve-O, who knew more about sports teams, perhaps, than my brother AJ. Amazing. He was always asking Michael about his Cougars.


Here is Michael's "medal presentation" from his coach. You'll hear him talk about Michael's favorite part-- being a "monster truck." He really does love playing defense.



And so our first soccer experience was a great one. California AYSO... doesn't get much better than this. There were 24 teams of boys 6 and under alone! And at the end of the season, I have such a great appreciation for the volunteer coaches who spent so much time in preparation and patience with these boys. Paul said many times how he wished his schedule allowed him to coach right now. But there will be time for that... another year.

Go American Gladiators!